THE Fostering Network, a national charity devoted to finding decent homes for the thousands of children in the public care system, is trying to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers.

Its chief executive, Robert Tapsfield, stresses: “While almost anyone can apply, foster carers need special qualities and some people will be more suited.

“This year’s campaign identifies the qualities needed – like being optimistic, having good listening skills, being able to see things from a child’s point of view and having a sense of humour.”

South Cheshire foster carer Ruth Murphy has fostered upwards of 40 children and young people in the 16 years since she opened up her heart and home to some of society’s most vulnerable members.

Ruth, 38, who with husband Kevin has seven children in their home at any one time, including four of their own, is something of an anomaly in that she was only 22 and caring for her own first baby when she decided she wanted to foster.

She says she has never looked back.

“I was very determined that I wanted to do it, but they obviously needed a push to let me. I knew I wanted to do it, I was sure, but not everyone does. No one can convince you to be a foster carer. You either want to do it or not.”

Currently, Ruth and Kevin have a two-year-old, a six-year-old and an 11-year-old to look after, as well as her children, the eldest of whom is 16.

Ruth says she understands why some people might be wary of fostering teenagers, given that reputation they seem to have as cider-fuelled, knife-wielding tearaways.

“People seem to be afraid of teenagers, but I’ve always had them here. I think the thing with teenagers is, if you can manage to have an impact on them, it’s a big one.

“Some have come back and quoted things I’ve said to them that I’ve forgotten saying, and that’s nice when that happens.”